MANSFIELD – Though leisure was the focus of the festivities held in Central Park on Monday, labor was not far from the minds of many gathered in attendance.

Monday, of course, marked Labor Day — the national holiday dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers.

The Crawford/Richland County AFL-CIO once again celebrated the holiday with a traditional parade and annual festival.

Parade co-chair Ron Davis said this year's parade included close to 70 units with nearly a dozen of them representing current or former labor unions.

But Labor Day is not just a day for union employees. Davis said the festival drew a great crowd of union and non-union supporters alike and drew an even more diverse group of participants.

"It represents a day we can all call our own," said Davis of Labor Day. "I think it's our way of saying we're proud to be Americans."

The Crawford/Richland County AFL-CIO provided free hot dogs and water to festival attendees as well as 200 blue bags filled with notebooks, pens and pencils to children.

Country band Acoustic Edge provided live music throughout the afternoon, but the main attraction was the raffle where folding chairs, umbrellas, a gas grill and a 32-inch television were handed out as prizes.

Mansfield resident Sarah Fumo was lucky enough to take home the gas grill. Fumo brought her 2-year-old daughter, Ava Lamb, to the festival, though Lamb appeared less interested in the grill and more in the pink toy she received earlier in the day.

"We came to listen to some good music and enjoy the day," Fumo said. "We just moved to the area and I thought it would be fun for her."

Several organizations including Friendly House and Catalyst Life Services set up informational booths during the festival. Representatives from The Ohio State University returned for a second year to sell school merchandise in exchange for donations to run a camp for children with special needs.

Five former OSU football players ran the booth and took photos with fans: James Cotton, Chris Fields, Kenny Guiton, Corey Brown and Jordan Hall.

Cole Thompson, 12, said his favorite part of the festival was getting the chance to see the former players.

"They're awesome," Thompson said. "I met number 52 (Cotton) and number 13 (Guiton). I can't believe they're in Mansfield. They're usually in Cleveland or Columbus or somewhere else."

Through the parade, food and festivities all gave area residents a chance to relax, the message and purpose behind the holiday was not lost on all.

"I think it's important for us to recognize what this event is about," Alaine Gough said. "We came out to support people on Labor Day and enjoy the festivities."